Trees (Native British)

52 53 The only large conifer to recolonize these islands after the retreat of the ice age, the Scots Pine now survives naturally in the much depleted Caledonean Forest. Successfully reintroduced throughout Britain, the great size, distinctive shape and orange colour of the upper bark of the Scots Pine with its evergreen needle foliage and brown cones make it one of our most important landscape trees. Its ability to thrive on the poorest of soils has also helped its return as it produces superb timber being strong yet soft and easily worked. The trees yield turpentine from their resin, ships masts in their length and if quickly sawn after felling superb construction timber. Pine was traditionally only felled when the moon was waning to reduce the resinous content. Pine scent is associated with freshness and the steam created from boiling Pine shoots is said to relieve bronchial congestion. Various healing potions use Pine turpentine as a constituent. A hot fire can be built with seasoned Pine although it spits badly. SCOTS pINE Pinus sylvestris